Things to Do in Amalfi Coast in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Amalfi Coast
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak summer warmth means water temperatures hit 25-26°C (77-79°F) - genuinely comfortable for extended swimming and snorkeling without a wetsuit, unlike the chillier spring months when you're counting minutes before getting cold
- Longest daylight hours of the year give you roughly 14.5 hours from sunrise to sunset, which actually matters when you're trying to fit in morning boat trips, afternoon beach time, and still catch sunset from Ravello before dinner
- Beach clubs and coastal restaurants operate at full capacity with extended hours - places that close early or skip days in shoulder season are fully staffed and open late, plus you get live music and evening events that only happen in high summer
- July brings the most reliable weather patterns despite occasional rain - you're far less likely to lose entire days to storms compared to September or October, and those brief afternoon showers tend to clear within 30 minutes rather than settling in
Considerations
- This is absolute peak season with crowds to match - expect 45-60 minute waits for the Positano-Amalfi ferry during midday hours, packed beaches where you're shoulder-to-shoulder with other sunbathers, and restaurants that won't seat walk-ins at dinner without reservations made days ahead
- Accommodation prices roughly double compared to May or October, with decent three-star hotels in Positano starting around €280-350 per night and waterfront properties easily hitting €500-800, which genuinely limits options if you're watching your budget
- The heat combined with 70% humidity makes midday exploration of hillside towns physically draining - climbing the 400+ steps in Positano or walking Amalfi's steep streets between noon and 4pm leaves most people drenched in sweat and needing frequent gelato breaks
Best Activities in July
Early Morning Boat Tours to Capri and Coastal Grottos
July's calm morning seas and excellent visibility make this the most reliable month for grotto visits - the Blue Grotto closes frequently in rougher months, but July sees about 85% operational days. Water clarity peaks in summer, and you'll actually see the famous blue luminescence properly. The trick is booking departures between 7-8am before tour groups arrive and before afternoon heat makes the return journey less pleasant. You're looking at 6-8 hour trips that include swimming stops at secluded coves where the water temperature is finally warm enough to stay in for 30-40 minutes without shivering.
Sunset Hiking on the Path of the Gods
The famous Sentiero degli Dei becomes genuinely dangerous during midday July heat - that 7.8 km (4.8 mile) exposed ridge trail with minimal shade has caused more than a few heat exhaustion cases. Smart locals hike it starting around 5-6pm in July, finishing as the sun sets over the coast. You get dramatically better light for photos, temperatures drop from 30°C to a manageable 24-25°C (75-77°F), and the crowds thin out significantly since most tourists hike mornings. The path stays light until nearly 8:30pm in July, giving you plenty of visibility. Just know that return buses from Nocelle get sparse after 8pm.
Cooking Classes in Ravello or Tramonti
July brings peak produce season - you're cooking with actual San Marzano tomatoes at their sweetest, fresh buffalo mozzarella from morning production, and just-picked basil and zucchini flowers. Classes typically run 10am-2pm or 4pm-8pm, smartly avoiding the hottest hours while keeping you in air-conditioned or shaded outdoor kitchens. The evening classes are particularly good in July since you finish with dinner as temperatures cool. Tramonti, the mountain town 20 minutes inland, runs about 4-5°C (7-9°F) cooler than coastal towns and has strong pasta-making traditions - less touristy than Positano options but requires arranging transport.
Private Beach Club Access in Positano or Praiano
Public beaches become genuinely unpleasant in July - you're fighting for towel space and the free sections get picked clean by 9am. Beach clubs charge €15-35 per person for sunbed and umbrella sets, but you get actual space, bathroom facilities, and the ability to order food and drinks to your chair. Praiano's clubs run cheaper than Positano and are slightly less crowded while offering the same water quality. The water temperature in July hits that sweet spot where you can swim for an hour without getting cold, and clubs stay open until 7-8pm so you can maximize your beach time during those long summer days.
Wine Tasting Tours in Furore and Hillside Vineyards
The coastal vineyards growing Falanghina and Fior d'Uva grapes are at their most photogenic in July with full canopies, and you're tasting last year's vintage at peak drinking age. More importantly, hillside wineries sit 200-400 m (650-1,300 ft) above sea level where temperatures run 3-4°C (5-7°F) cooler than the coast - actually pleasant for afternoon tastings. Tours typically run 4-6pm to avoid midday heat, include 4-6 wines with local cheeses and cured meats, and offer ridiculous views over the coastline. Furore's fjord setting makes it particularly dramatic, and the smaller producers give you more personal attention than the big-name operations.
Evening Concerts and Cultural Events in Ravello
The Ravello Festival runs throughout July with classical music concerts, jazz performances, and dance events held in Villa Rufolo's gardens overlooking the sea. Shows typically start at 8:30-9pm once temperatures drop, and there's something genuinely special about hearing an orchestra with that coastal backdrop as the sun sets. This is high-quality programming - not tourist entertainment but actual cultural events that Italians attend. Beyond the festival, various churches and venues host smaller concerts and performances throughout the month, often free or €10-20 admission.
July Events & Festivals
Ravello Festival
Running since 1953, this is one of Italy's most respected summer arts festivals with orchestral concerts, chamber music, ballet, and jazz performances held primarily in the gardens of Villa Rufolo. The venue itself is worth the ticket - 13th century gardens perched 350 m (1,150 ft) above the Mediterranean with sunset performances. Programming leans classical but includes contemporary works and international artists. Shows run nearly every evening throughout July, typically starting 8:30-9pm once the heat breaks.
Feast of Santa Maria Maddalena in Atrani
The tiny town of Atrani celebrates its patron saint with a three-day festival including a seaside procession, fireworks over the water, and the piazza filled with food stalls serving local specialties. This is a genuine local festival rather than tourist entertainment - families come from surrounding towns, and the atmosphere is more authentic neighborhood celebration than performance. The fireworks display on the final night is surprisingly elaborate for such a small town, launched from boats in the small bay.